Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1887-01-08
a Tale of Ancient Rome.
From Tid-Bits.

From Tid-Bits,
"Good-day, Servius, I suppose I shall
see thee at the temple tonight
cat what temple, noble Lucius?" ask
ed the young Roman, gazing inquiring-
II into the face of his companion, an
aged and gray bearded veteran of many
wars.
How now, boyP' exclaimed the old
man. "Hast thou not heard of the fruit
and floral festival, under the charge of
the Ladies' Aid society, at the temple Of
the Feretr an Jupiter on the Capitol
ine?"
The youth shuddered.
81 had forgotten, good Lucius," he
said, zone of the priests had received a
call elsewhere, and this festival is for the
purpose of raising funds to increase his
meager salary, end thereby induce him
to remain, Am not right?"
''Yes, thou art, o Servius."
81 shall not be there. I attended one
entertainment of this sort some time ago.
I had six scrupuli in my possession when
went in, but when departed had not
so much as = sestertius."
"Nay, nay, my boy" interposed the
old man, 'this parsimony becomes thee
not. It costs but one denarius to en-
ter"
''But what does it cost to get out?'
moOdily muttered the youth.
''In the temple" continued Lucius,
''thOu wilt find large and attractive
assortment Of fancy goods and toilet
articles at prices far below their market
value, for they have been donated by
various tradesmen and artifcers."
"But is it not taking an unfair advaDt-
age OF these same tradesmen and artific-
ers,'' said the young man, 'sto sell their
goods at prices less than their value?''
''Thou art too scrupulous," said Lu-
cius. angrily. "But, by Jupiter, I will
persuade thee yet, Know, then, that
the fair Tullia will have charge OF a table
Hal thou changest color, boyp
'IListen, my Lucius,'' cried the youth.
''and thou shalt know my secret. It is
my purpose to espouse the maiden whom
thou hast named. It therefore beBoOv-
eth me to guard well the goods which
the gods have bestowed upon me. We're
I to visit the fair I should be despoiled
of all, and hope Of wedding TuiIia put
forever TO fight
'sNay, SerHus, thou wrongest them,
and by the gods I will prove it TO thee,
If thou wilt but 60 with me to the tenn
pie. Why, boy, golden Tyre Of the
most exquisite workmanship and worth
100 scrupuli is to be drawn for, and the
tickets are but 1 sestertius each. Who
knows but the gods Will bestoW this
treasure upon theeS"
Enough, o Lvcius," said tine youth
81 will visit the fair, but I shall remain
only a short time"
''Thou hast decided wisely, Servius.
And now must away, I'll see thee
LATER
That evening young Servius dOnned
his dress toys and a pair Of red sandals,
and hastened to the temple of the Fere-
trian Jupiter. With his pIeasurable an
ticipations was mingled a vague present.
ment Of evil. He was warmly welcomed
by all, including the fair Tullia, who,
when the first greetings had been ex-
changed, said:
''Servius, you see yonder stdue Of
Minerva; it is to be gwen to the priest
who receives the largest number Of
votes. How many shall 1 pat You down
for?''
Five replied the youth, with sink
ing heart. "What Is the cost %
ssTen sestertn each.''
The youth handed her a treble seau-
pulum and waited for the change. When
he got tired Of waiting he walked mood
J. away, and vas Immediately captured
by a noble Roman mstron, who did not
release him until shs lad sold him ah